Enchanted Rock – Texas

The Enchanted Rock was on my wishlist of places to see while I was in Texas and when new friends I met in Galveston extended an open invitation to stay with them the choice to head north from Austin to Fredericksburgh was easy.

The Enchanted Rock is actually a large pink granite monadnock. It is located in what is named the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just north of Fredericksburg.

I recommend arriving as soon as the park opens. Both to avoid huge numbers of other walkers and to avoid walking in the heat.

Entrance fees:

Adult: $7 Daily

Child 12 Years and Under: Free

If you arrive at the park prior to or after the office opening hours you can fill in a registration form and leave your entry payment in their post box. There are no ATM’s nearby, so remember to bring cash.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. No one is actually allowed on the rock outside of opening hours.

Legends tell of a rock that holds magical and spiritual powers. Ghosts, making people invisible if you climb the rock after dark, flickering lights at the top and unexplained creaking and groaning are among the stories being told.

Sadly though the sounds are probably just the sound of the rock’s contraction after being heated by the sun during daytime.

It is a beautiful natural area where you can hike and camp. There are almost 11 miles of hiking trails and the park offers a variety of campsites.

There are many trails to choose between to get to the top of the Enchanted Rock. The shortest route though takes about two hours back and forth. Unless you choose to walk straight up! My guide said: “Where is the fun in that!”

The view at the top is beautiful. After weeks of travelling through flat landscapes it was a welcomed change to be up a little higher. Even though it is only 130 m above the surrounding terrain… Makes you miss the mountains at home.